Coming off a season that saw the Dolores High School football team finish 4-5, seven players and a team manager were named to the Southern Peaks League all-conference team.
First team: Kellen Gatzke
Headlining the Bears all-conference selections, senior offensive lineman/linebacker Kellen Gatke was named Southern Peaks League defensive player of the year. Gatzke was also named first-team all-state by the Colorado High School Coaches Association and voted the best player in the Southern Peaks League.
Gatzke was Colorado's leading tackler in Class 2A, with 159 total tackles. He also handled kicking and punting duties and played a key role on the Bears offensive line.
After the season, Gatzke was named the most valuable player on the team and was selected as the Bears' defensive player of the year.
"(Gatzke) was phenomenal," said Dolores head coach Chris Trusler. "We asked him to be involved in every play on the field and that's exactly what he did."
First team: KC Davis
Also selected to the Southern Peaks League all-conference team was senior defensive end/offensive lineman KC Davis.
In addition to opening holes for Bears running backs, Davis finished second on the team with 81 total tackles.
Davis led Dolores in sacks with six.
Bears coaches named Davis the team's top defensive lineman.
"KC is a guy that you can put anywhere on the field, and he'll get the job done," said Trusler. "He has a great attitude and great work ethic.
First team: Branden Donaldson
A transfer student from Aztec High School, junior running back/cornerback Branden Donaldson was named to the Southern Peaks League all-conference team for the first time.
The Bears' starting running back, Donaldson finished second on the team with 464 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Donaldson also led the Bears in receiving yards with 113 and made 62 tackles on the year.
Dolores coaches named Donaldson the top skills player on the team.
First team: Eli Brown
Rounding out the Bears first team all-conference selections was senior manager Eli Brown.
A four-year manager for Dolores, Brown inspired teammates, assisted coaches and solidified his status as an integral part of the team.
"Eli Brown is the spirit of Dolores High School football," said Trusler. "His dedication to the team and the love that he has for each of our players is outstanding."
Second team: Guy Wallace
Doubling as a fullback and defensive back, senior Guy Wallace was named to the Southern Peaks League's all-conference team after his final season in Dolores.
In addition to opening holes for Dolores runners, Wallace rushed for 218 yards and two touchdowns. The senior also made 62 tackles and had a team-leading two interceptions.
"(Guy) led the way for our tailbacks this year and delivered key blocks in big moments," said Trusler. "He had a great work ethic and he was the strongest player on our team."
Second team: Wyatt Jones
Capping off a solid four-year career, lineman Wyatt Jones made the Southern Peaks League all-conference team for the first time.
Jones played center for the Bears and made 52 tackles from his spot on the defensive line. The senior was named the Bears offensive lineman of the year.
"(Jones) eliminated a lot of turnovers in the quarterback/center exchange," said Trusler. "He played a major role for us this year."
Honorable mention: Mikeal Ford
One of the Bears most versatile players, senior Mikeal Ford was named to the Southern Peaks all-conference team.
Splitting time between quarterback, running back and wide receiver, Ford led the team with 617 yards rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. The senior also passed for 63 yards and made 59 tackles.
Ford was named the Bears most valuable offensive player.
Honorable mention: Riley Syra
Thanks to his contributions as an offensive lineman and linebacker, sophomore Riley Syra was named all-conference. Syra made 60 tackles on the year.
